Southwest Eliminates Bags Fly Free: What It Means For RI Travelers

WARWICK, RI — Southwest Airlines announced Tuesday that it will soon charge for checked luggage, ending a longstanding "Bags Fly Free" policy that made it the preferred budget carrier for many travelers.

Southwest is one of the major carriers out of Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport in Warwick, so the news could challenge airline loyalties for many Ocean Staters. The airline is also shifting its rewards program to incentivize more expensive flights, while point redemption rates will now vary based on flight demand. A new Basic fare will be introduced to offer a low-budget option while also charging for add-ons.

The changes apply to flights booked on or after May 28.

“We have tremendous opportunity to meet current and future Customer needs, attract new Customer segments we don’t compete for today, and return to the levels of profitability that both we and our Shareholders expect,” Southwest President, CEO and Vice Chairman Bob Jordan said in a Tuesday press release. “We will do all this while remaining focused on what’s made us strong—our People and the authentic, friendly, and award-winning Customer Service only they can provide.”

The moves came about a month after Southwest announced 1,750 corporate layoffs that will save the company $510 million through 2026. That does not include the $60 million to $80 million budgeted for severance packages.

Southwest previously announced it will eventually end its open seating policy. Customers currently board Southwest flights based on the order they checked in, rewarding early birds and pleasing budget travelers. Opponents, however, complained that they couldn't reserve their seats in advance.

The airline will soon charge for assigned seating and extra legroom, ending the uniformity that made it unique while aligning itself with legacy carriers that have long charged for these perks.

Southwest will continue offering two free checked bags to its highest-tiered rewards members and those who book the most expensive fare category. That means two free bags will still be allowed for Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and travelers purchasing Business Select fares.

One free checked bag will be available for A-List Members. Southwest will credit one checked bag for Rapid Rewards Credit Card holders.

Everyone else must pay for their bags.

Southwest also shifted its rewards structure, offering more points for more expensive fares. Rewards redemption rates will now vary based on the demand for the flight. Flight credits will now expire one year after ticketing for all fares except Basic, which will expire after six months.

Though rolling back some of its budget-friendly options, Southwest is expanding other amenities.

Online travel agency Expedia started selling Southwest flights last month.

The airline also partnered with Icelandair to let passengers book flights from Southwest's North American destinations to Europe via BWI Airport. That service debuted on Feb. 13, the same day of Southwest's first-ever scheduled overnight redeye flights. The airline owns 71% of the BWI Airport's market share, having flown nearly 19.1 million BWI passengers last year. BWI Airport is Southwest's largest hub on the East Coast, flying to 79 nonstop destinations out of Baltimore.

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